Yacht owners that have become active on the business side of the industry have called for active changes in its models during a panel at the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam. This follows the launch of their platforms aimed at reducing charter by slashing booking fees. "Stop your disrespect." Ahoy Club's Ian Malouf advised the market.
Attending the panel were Australian businessman Ian Malouf, founder of Ahoy Club and fresh of a $578 million exit in the waste management space, Philippe Bacou, founder of Yotha and Matty Zadnikar, founder of SeaNet. All founded yachting businesses in recent years stepping over from yacht ownership. The debate was moderated by Martin Redmayne.
According to Malouf, his primary goal is to improve the market and his secondary one is to make money. "I think we’re portrayed as a one click and you’re there business, but we have a large team and we are a full-service digital platform." Malouf commented. "We have the cheapest structure in the business and we expect it will go lower before it goes higher."
Malouf's 54m Mischief
Historically resistant to change, yachting has reacted defensively in recent quarters to the entry of these new actors. Malouf described their behaviour as "cartel-like". According to Philippe Bacou, the market is responding aggressively due to the platforms reducing commissions.
"When you provide something that is automatic instead of manual it reduces costs. What we are doing is making savings here." Bacou detailed. "Of course, we all want to make money, but it comes down to global satisfaction."
Ahoy Club and Yotha's web-platforms power an online search of available yachts for charter, a digital booking process and communication system with the yacht and their concierge team. Thanks to automation, the companies say they can reduce booking prices by near 15%.
Bacou's 43m Philmi
“Their behaviour has been poor but expected,” Malouf described. “We’ve been treated like we’re coming into an industry of brokers who think they own the boats. Our pricing structure is cheaper and we’re being told by many that it’s not acceptable and that it is an act of price-fixing.”
When a representative from a large brokerage house asked Malouf whether it would have been better to go to industry bodies like MYBA or LYBRA and try to improve the sector from the inside, the Australian businessman responded.
"Sometimes you have to break things to fix things and that’s what needs to happen. You’re talking about joining arms and walking down the road, which we’re witnessing and it’s a behaviour that’s unpalatable. The question of why didn’t we go to the industry is the reason we are here. For you to even ask me that question is a joke."
One of Seanet's Benettis
"You expect me to bend a knee for the incumbent and say, is it ok for me to enter your industry? Well, you don’t own this industry and it needs a shake, is getting a shake and will be shaken by us. What happens in a market is you have a business and competitors come in and compete, and whoever provides the best service for the best price and for the best commodity usually ends up with the best business."
The representative responded, as the market typically retorts, saying large brokerage houses offer a knowledgeable brokers, which can't be matched by these digital platforms. Pointing out Ahoy Club has a concierge team, Malouf went further, saying some central agents won't present valid charters that Ahoy brings to them.
"A few central agents will block a charter from us getting to the owner. Our remedy to that is that we respect your CA agreement until you breach it by not recommending our choice. That’s when we’ll go to the owner – it’s simple and fair. We’ve done over 100 charter contracts so far – we make no money off the small charters but they’ll come through. You talk about building relationships and that’s what we’re doing."
Malouf, Bacou and Zadnikar all encouraged the market at the end of the debate to focus on the end client and not to skim clients for commissions. "Put your commission drive aside and focus more on what the client wants." Zadnikar outlined.
"Stop your disrespect." Malouf added on.
Matty Zadnikar comes from the safety monitoring space, having founded and run Z-Group for over 20 years. In 2014, the group was acquired by American industrial safety group Total Safety, which allowed Zadnikar to transform his yachting hobby into a business. Founding the company, Zadnikar announced an investment of €32 million to jump start SeaNet's fleet in the Med, which is based on a co-ownership model.
Made up of Azimut and Benetti yachts of up to 40 meters, the idea is to give owners an option to buy only part of a yacht and improve its efficiency. On a 93ft Benetti Delfino, priced at €9 million, SeaNet lets you buy a 25% ownership stake for €2.3m with annual running costs of just over €110,000 instead of €450,000. This set up grants buyers a total of 7 weeks of use of that type of boat in the SeaNet fleet for 7 weeks per year.
Ian Malouf built his wealth in waste management in Australia with the DADI Group that was ultimately acquired by Bingo for $578 million earlier this year. With the help of his daughter, Ellie Malouf, the two have now switched their attention over to yachting with Ahoy Club, a market that they're now positioning themselves to try and dominate.
Owner of the 54-meter Mischief, which Malouf is also marketing for charter through Ahoy from €137,650 per week in the off-season, the Australian businessman recently listed the yacht for sale at an asking price of €24 million.
Philippe Bacou also launched his yacht platform, Yotha, in 2018 after 15 years of experience on the ownership and charter side of the market. Earlier in 2018, the French businessman raised an additional €1.4 million from strategic investors to develop and launch Yotha. His 43-meter ISA, Philmi was delivered in 2014.
Book ahead for summer on Esmeralda
Book
now for summer 2019 onboard Esmeralda. Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean for
the beginning and end of the season, she will be available in May, June and
July in the Western Mediterranean depending on bookings.An exceptional charter
yacht, Esmeralda offers a unique layout of 11 guest cabins including 3 VIP
suites, superb exterior space for dining and entertaining, and a highly
professional and creative crew.
Luxury motor yacht Esmeralda (Ex. Maria Alexandra) was designed and built by Italian Codecasa in 1981 with interior design by Giuseppe de Jori. Retro style but
fully renovated in 2001/2012, and with yearly upgrades, she has been maintained
to a high standard. Guests can enjoy a variety of exterior living areas made in
Italian theme. On the main deck and aft of the salon custom glass doors lead
out onto a large shaded deck with a unique round table. Above the main deck,
the boat deck wraps around the yacht and provides the Master and VIP cabins
with a private deck. The aft deck offers fantastic outdoor dining experience for up
to 21 guests with sun chaises on port and starboard. The indoor dining room has a full mirrored wall which creates a feel of endless space; it is separate and
forward of the salon with a grand table capacity up to 21 guests. The upper
deck and bridge deck offer a more casual area to relax in a comfortable lounge
room with bar.
The
Master suite is featuring a king size bed, lounge space with table, walk in
closet and en-suite facilities. 3 VIP cabins are starboard with separate
lounges and en-suite facilities. On the main deck forward of the salon near to
the dining are 1 double and 7 twin cabins.
Esmeralda has a beam of 10.03m and a draft of 5m, she has a steel hull and aluminium
superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 1002 tons. She is powered by
engines of 1,500 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 14 knots and a cruising
speed of 12.5 knots. Esmeralda's maximum range is estimated at 6000 nautical
miles.
Main
features: Stylish contemporary interior; Outdoor Jacuzzi; Sunbathing area;
Variety of water toys & tenders; Great for large parties & banquets;
Capacity for up to 150 guests in port.Explore the Eastern Mediterranean on Rebecca VMotor yacht Rebecca V
was built by Benetti in 2009. It features a
minimalistic interior with warm woods, fine marbles designed by Francois
Zuretti and an exterior design by Stefano Righini. The salon and dining are open
with the lounge and entertainment center aft and formal dining forward.
Panoramic windows fill the space with natural light and create an airy
ambiance. Aft of the salon we can find a shaded aft deck perfect to relax or
making alfresco dining, it is accompanied by casual cocktail tables with seating,
wet bar with fitted barstools and a massive sunpad. Forward of the salon, is
the raised pilot house, followed by a full beam master suite.
Exterior living
aboard the luxury motor yacht Rebecca V is ideal for relaxing and entertaining.
To enjoy the sea a full beam extended swim platform provides effortless water
access. Also guests can use various watersports toys such as jet skis, kayaks, diving and snorkelling equipment.
Luxury charter yacht Rebecca V can accommodate 10 guests in 4 en-suite cabins. The Master cabin is
forward on the main deck, with a queen size bed, vanity and sofa. Each cabin
provides full entertainment systems and individual air conditioning controls.
The VIP stateroom is full beam of the yacht, below decks and features a king
size bed, sofa and vanity. A further 2 double cabins are below decks and offer
double beds and a single bed each.
The Benetti motor
yacht Rebecca V has a beam of 7.04m and a draft of 1.6m. The yacht is powered
by 2 x CAT 885hp engines, with cruising capabilities of 11 – 12 knots.
Main features: Panoramic
windows, Alfresco dining, Full beam swim platform, Wet bar, Sunbathing area
Host your event on Les Bruxellois
Invite friends
onboard Les Bruxellois for an event they’ll never forget. Keenly available for
MIPIM, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Lions
Festival in 2019, Les Bruxellois was delivered in 2017 and offers versatile
spaces inside and out. The main aft deck can be used as a seating area or
converted into an al fresco dining space for 12 guests. Further dining is
available in the upper salon, which is also a relaxing lounge area. 11 guests
are accommodated in 5 cabins: a main deck owner's suite and 4 lower deck
cabins, including 2 convertibles and one with an extra Pullman berth.
The luxury motor yacht Les Bruxellois was built by Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo and is certainly impressive. She is the ideal family yacht
with a lot of spaces both inside and out. This motor yacht offers the perfect
combination of performance and luxury.
Les Bruxellois provides 3 aft decks. On each aft deck guest can find dining tables, sofas to relax
on. The generous main deck can be used as a comfortable seating area or
converted into an alfresco dining space for 11 guests. Further dining is
available in the upper salon which is also a relaxing lounge area. Les Bruxellois also provides guests with an
exciting addition option of converting the sundeck Jacuzzi into a sunpad!
Walking inside guests will find themselves surrounded by a number
of stylish areas. All are air-conditioned with Wi-Fi connection. The yacht can
also carry up 6 crew members onboard.
Les Bruxellois has hydraulic swim platform and it can be lowered
beneath water level for easy access. For thrill seekers, she has a commanding
selection of inflatables and water toys, ideal when at sea or when she is at
anchor, just imagine: 2 jet-skis, 2 seabobs, 2 sea-doo Water-ski, Wake board,
Inflatable banana, snorkelling equipment.
Les Bruxellois is a 34.1m with a beam of 7.66m and a draft of 2m, she
has a composite hull. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 266 tons. She is
powered by diesel engines of 1224 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 15
knots and comfortably cruise at 12 knots. Has a maximum range of 2,750 nautical
miles.
Main
features: Relaxing deck convertible Jacuzzi/sunpad; Easy
access hydraulic swim platform; Sky lounge; Variety of water toys & tenders.
To arrange a visit onboard, please contact Yachting Partners
International on charter@ypiyachts.com
Sponsored by Yachting Partners International
E. charter@ypiyachts.com
T. +377 99 99 97 97
February 22, 2019
Listed for sale by Peter Thompson at Thompson, Westwood & White, the buyer in the deal was introduced by Superyacht Sales& Charter. "Spectre" was asking €65,000,000."Spectre" is a 69-meter Full Custom Mega Yacht with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure on five decks. The name pays tribute once again to James Bond after “Quantum of Solace” and “Diamonds Are Forever”. It’s first owner John Staluppi fell in love with the leading character in the series of films inspired by the novels of Ian Fleming.This original superyacht was developed around the latest marine technologies and combining different styles and philosophies of interior decoration. References to Art Nouveau in France mixed with modern details designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta. He said that he was very fond and proud of this project. As it was the perfect example of the ideas of the owner and the shipyard. John and Jeanette Staluppi, with their outstanding energy, pulled us together on to imagine and develop with everything that could be desired on a boat this size.The style of the interiors, created by Benetti’s Interior Style Department, feel of some French hotels and boutiques, standing out from Staluppi’s previous yachts in a more classical way. For example, the floor in the main lounge draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau style flooring in a Paris resort, with symmetrical forms and clean-cut geometrical patterns. Other references to French taste are the windows, a reminiscent of Paris’ typical Art Nouveau shops.The megayacht features with a swimming pool and touch and go helipad. Accommodating 12 guests in unforgettable comfort, the layout has two owner’s cabins: one has a private terrace, a sun lounging area and a hydromassage tub; two VIP cabins on the Main Deck and two guest cabins on the lower deck.Benetti’s most advanced construction technologies is the Ride Control technology by Naiad Dynamics - the system significantly increases stability during navigation and improves comfort on board with the help of four stabilising fins and three vertically-adjustable blades.The lines of the hi speed cruising hull by Dutch firm Mulder Design, deliver maximum navigation efficiency, with a range of 6,500 nautical miles at 12 knots and a top speed of 21.2 knots, which is 30% more than a traditional displacement hull.A seven Full Custom yachts planned in 2018/2019, including 3 giga yachts over 100 meters each, now are building in parallel at the Benetti’s Livorno shipyard.
February 20, 2019
Italian builder Codecasa has launched a 43-metre Project 122, the latest superyacht in their Vintage series featuring a 43 meter hull. The yacht was initially launched in summer 2018 at the company’s Viareggio facility, and is to be delivered to her owner in May 2019, after sea trials.The yacht with a beam of 9 metres and a maximum draft of 2,6 metres attributes a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Engined by two Caterpillar 3512C of 1,650 HP, she reaches her maximum speed at 16,5 knots. At the same time, with a comfortable cruising speed of 11 knots, she boasts a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles thanks to her fuel capacity of 65,000 litres.Project 122’ interior design concept was developed by the Codecasa team. The concept implements a combination of elegance and modernity, with predominance of light and neutral colours applied to natural materials.The yacht’s accommodation capacity amounts to ten guests within 5 cabins, including the owner’s full-beam suite. The latter is located on the main deck, featuring two en-suites. As to the staff, there is accommodation space for up to 9 crew members on-board.In contrast to previous 42-metre versions, Project 122 boasts a Sun Deck Jacuzzi and a Captain’s Cabin situated on the upper deck. The yacht’s on-board tender storage holds a Zodiac rescue boat and a Castoldi 21 jet tender. Codecasa is planning to display the yacht at the upcoming Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous, held in Viareggio in May. Meanwhile, the company's yard is busy constructing two more vessels, a 55-metre and a 65-metre projects to be finished later this year.
February 19, 2019
During the recent Miami International Boat Show 2019, a new product from the series of collaborations between Mercedes-AMG and Miami builder Cigarette Racing Team was released. This year’s model was inspired by Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe, featuring the same colour patterns and design motifs.This 12,5-metre racing boat has been christened 41 AMG Carbon Edition. One of her most significant features is carbon-fibre construction developed by Cigarette engineers in order to resonate with Mercedes model. It is evident, that Carbon fibre becomes a new trend among fast boats structure materials, for instance, as it is in the latest Pershing 8X. Still, the constructors claim, their new model is one of a few boats of that kind, where carbon is used as not complementary but major constructing material.Cigarette Racing Team’s president Skip Braver emphasises that from his point of view there are not so many differences between cars and boats. “Just as they did with the car, we lightened the boat without sacrificing performance. We modified the design by lowering the centre of gravity and used carbon fibre across the whole boat,” he said.The innovations introduced in hull construction enabled the builders to make the new boat 227 kg lighter than previous 50 Marauder AMG powerboat built in collaboration. 41 AMG Carbon Edition lays on sandwich construction with carbon-fiber structural layers around the boat’s lightweight hull. The deck and hardtop are also made of carbon fibre.Daimler AG and Cigarette work together on design concepts of all AMG boats. This year’s edition transmits the colour patterns of Mercedes saloon, easily recognisable in the boat cabin, with a prevalence of red and black. It is noticeable, that normally dark colours, especially black, are avoided in boat upholstery design, as they easily get hot in the sun. Within this boat, the dark colours can be used due to upholstery materials featuring cooling ability, that can decrease heat up to 30 percent.AMG 41 is equipped with Mercury Racing 400R engine of 1,600 horses. Thus, the boat is capable of reaching her maximum speed of 72 knots with 8 passengers on-board. Meanwhile, she cruises comfortably at around 55 knots with a maximum capacity of 20 passengers. Due to carbon materials used in the construction, a hull becomes firmer, lowering the boat’s flexibility and the “feeling of ship motions” even at the highest speed.Hull construction for such models normally takes about 8 months, including 2 months set aside for painting. Hand-stitched upholstering also takes more than a month. During the process, the project goes through multiple approval stages, so that it would finally satisfy both parties involved in the process.According to Braver, the two brands have already started working on their next joint project. “It feels like mutual admiration and when we hear them talking, it seems like they feel the same. It’s an honor to be partnering with them,” he concludes.
February 19, 2019
Italian builder CRN has recently announced sale of their new project, a 60-metre superyacht with custom aluminium hull yet assigned to number 141. She is going to become the newest project produced from CRN’s partnership with Nuvolari & Lenard design studio, that has been lasting for more than 50 years.CRN Ancona facilityThe design of the model was developed by the yard’s technicians, while interior and exterior concepts were finalised by the studio. Thus, CRN Project 141 is conceived to feature advanced high-tech solutions and dynamic lines in design concept. The new vessel will be built at CRN’s Livorno facility. She is scheduled for delivery to the owner in 2023. Further details and renderings of the project will be released as soon as they become available.CRN Ancona facilityCRN, being a part of the Ferretti Group, specialises in design and construction of fully custom aluminium and steel yachts with LOA of up to 100 metres. The company’s Ancona facility, where all the CRN megayachts have been built, occupies almost 80,000 square metres. At the moment, the yard is busy building four fully custom CRN yachts, including recently sold 70-metre CRN 139 yacht devised by Vallicelli Design. At the same time, 18 custom line models of 30 to 42 metres in length, two 50-metre Riva and two Pershing 140 units are currently being constructed at the yard.
February 18, 2019